Skip to content
  • Trips
    • Itineraries
    • Trip Ideas
    • Videos
    • Scenic Byways
    • Tour Operators
  • Explore
    • Washington, DC
    • Maryland
    • Virginia
    • By Experience
  • Transport
    • Airports
    • Local Transportation
    • Tour Operators
  • Plan
    • Accommodations
    • Currency Exchange
    • Weather
    • Events
    • Deals
    • Covid-19 Travel Updates
    • Travel Documents
  • Get a Holiday Guide
  • Subscribe to Enewsletter
  • English
  • 简体中文
  • Français
  • Deutsch
  • 日本語
  • 한국어
  • Português
  • Español

Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC

Arlington National Cemetery

Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland

The Smithsonian Institution’s 19 museums and the National Zoo all offer free admission

US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond

Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC

Arlington National Cemetery

Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland

The Smithsonian Institution’s 19 museums and the National Zoo all offer free admission

US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond

15 Favourite Free Things to Do near Washington, DC

Discover a new meaning for freedom in the Capital Region, where many noteworthy attractions offer free admission. 

Share This:

Looking for economical entertainment? You've found it! Check out these top free and nearly free activities in the Capital Region.

1. Monuments & Memorials

Washington, DC

All of DC’s monuments and memorials are free, including the Lincoln, Jefferson and World War II memorials and the Washington Monument.

2. Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, Virginia

Arlington National Cemetery is the highly regarded location of sites such as the Challenger Space Shuttle Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and President John F. Kennedy’s grave.  

3. Assateague Island National Seashore

Berlin, Maryland

Arrive on foot, bicycle or on a fee-free day to gain free entry to the protected sandy beaches and marshland of Assateague Island National Seashore, a magical barrier island off the coast. 

4. Smithsonian Museums

Washington, DC and Virginia

Home to some of the world’s greatest collections, the Smithsonian Institution’s 17 museums and the National Zoo all offer free admission. 

5. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Richmond, Virginia 

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is the state's top art museum and houses a permanent collection of more than 33,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history. 

6. Spruce Forest Artisan Village

Grantsville, Maryland

At Spruce Forest Artisan Village, you can interact with metal sculptors, weavers, potters and other artists inside the historic log cabins that serve as their studios and learn about the area’s agricultural foundations at the restored Stanton’s Mill. 

7. National Arboretum

Washington, DC 

Located 2 miles from the US Capitol Building, the National Arboretum is a stunning 446-acre living museum that features gardens, a bonsai museum and the original columns from the Capitol Building. 

8. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum

St. Leonard, Maryland

At Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum visitors can explore archaeological sites, hike riverside trails and take a guided tour of the MAC Lab, which houses more than eight million ancient artefacts. 

9. Chrysler Museum of Art Perry Glass Studio

Norfolk, Virginia

Free glass-blowing demonstrations are offered daily at Chrysler's Perry Glass Studio, a state-of-the-art facility where you'll also find tours, classes and events with music, drinks and performance art. 

10. DC By Foot Walking Tours

Washington, DC

With DC by Foot Walking Tours, get the lay of the land and learn about the city’s history during daily excursions centring on the National Mall, historic Georgetown and U Street, among others. 

11. Salisbury Zoo

Salisbury, Maryland

From bobcats and ocelots to tropical birds and alligators, numerous species native to North, Central and South America call the 12-acre Salisbury Zoo home. 

12. The Community Arboretum at Virginia Western

Roanoke, Virginia

Located on a college campus, The Community Arboretum at Virginia Western is a two-acre educational garden divided into 11 unique collections of flowers and plants and surrounding a central amphitheatre. 

13. A Day at the Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia and Ocean City, Maryland

Grab your sunscreen and head to the shore, where blue waters and soft sand await along the Atlantic coastline at numerous beaches that are free and open to the public. 

14. The Reach

The Reach, a new expansion at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, features three soaring pavilions and 10 interior spaces offering visitors a unique way to experience art. Washington, DC

15. US Naval Academy Museum

Annapolis, Maryland

Within the institution's Preble Hall, peruse the US Naval Academy Museum's two floors of exhibits detailing the history of sea power and the development of the country’s navy. 

Explore even more top free attractions in the Washington, DC area!

More Trip Ideas
See All Trip Ideas

10 Famous Filming Locations in the Capital Region USA

Celebrate the Holidays in the Capital Region

Experience Black History & Culture in the Capital Region

Otter Creek Campground, Virginia

Great American Roadtrip - Motorhome Itinerary

Cruise the Coast

Social Distancing & Safer Exploration in the Capital Region

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at night

Lasting Legacy: Black History and Cultural in the Capital Region

Space shuttle, Discovery, Smithsonian, museum, National Air & Space Museum, aviation, space, attractions, Washington, DC, Capital Region

Fairfax, Virginia: 4-Day 18th Century to Outer Space Itinerary

Wide Open Spaces and Secluded Destinations in Maryland

National Arboretum, Capitol Columns, Washington DC

Get Away from It All: Wide Open Spaces and Secluded Destinations in America's Capital Region

Baltimore, Maryland, Federal Hill, Inner Harbor, skyline, view

A Virtual Holiday to Capital Region USA

Urban Waterfronts: 3-Day Itinerary

Culture Trip: 5-Day Itinerary

Into the Past: 4-Day History Itinerary

Parks & Trails: 3-Day Itinerary

Related Events
See All Events
20 Mar 2023 - 16 Apr 2023

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

Washington, DC’s most anticipated annual festival celebrates the arrival of spring.

Visit website
15 Apr 2023 - 22 Apr 2023

Historic Garden Week in Virginia

, Virginia

For one week in April, visitors are invited to tour inspired private landscapes, public gardens, and historic sites across Virginia, enjoying our beautiful state at the peak of spring.

Visit website
20 Apr 2023 - 23 Apr 2023

Virginia International Tattoo

Norfolk, Virginia

In 1997, the Virginia Arts Festival presented the city with what has now become a staple to Norfolk’s performing arts scene: The Virginia International Tattoo.

Visit website
22 Apr 2023 - 23 Apr 2023

Eastern Shore Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival

St. Michaels, Maryland

The Eastern Shore Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival features artisans from around the country selling coastal and sea-glass related jewellery, home décor, art, and more.

Visit website
28 Apr 2023 - 30 Apr 2023

Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show

Annapolis, Maryland

With a long sailing tradition in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay, the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show rings in the new season by bringing together sailing enthusiasts from around the Mid-Atlantic.

Visit website
05 May 2023 - 06 May 2023

Flower Mart

Washington, District of Columbia

Since 1939, All Hallows Guild has held Flower Mart as a benefit for Washington National Cathedral’s gardens and grounds.

Visit website
06 May 2023

Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race

Baltimore, Maryland

Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race.

Visit website
28 Apr 2023 - 07 May 2023

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

Winchester, Virginia

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people gather to celebrate the arrival of spring and the apple blossoms blooming in the orchards surrounding the city of Winchester.

Visit website
20 May 2023

Preakness Stakes

Baltimore, Maryland

Experience the fast-paced action and Maryland traditions at the annual running of the Preakness Stakes in downtown Baltimore.

Visit website
19 May 2023 - 21 May 2023

Dominion Riverrock

Richmond, Virginia

Dominion Riverrock is the nation's largest outdoor sports and music festival, bringing athletes,  spectators, musicians, and even dogs to Brown’s Island in Richmond, Virginia for a three-day festiv

Visit website
19 May 2023 - 21 May 2023

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour

Mount Vernon, Virginia

Head to Mount Vernon for their most popular event of the year. Taste unlimited samples of wines from Virginia’s finest wineries.

Visit website
24 May 2023 - 27 May 2023

Hills of Home Festival

McClure, Virginia

This festival is an old-time bluegrass music tradition started by music legend Dr. Ralph Stanley and continuing today in his honour.

Visit website
27 May 2023 - 29 May 2023

Memorial Day Weekend Concert and Parade

Washington, District of Columbia

This National Memorial Day celebration honours America’s war heroes and those presently serving with a gathering along Constitution Avenue for the annual Memorial Day parade featuring marching band

Website
01 May 2023 - 31 May 2023

Passport DC

Washington, District of Columbia

Passport DC is a month-long journey around the world highlighting DC's thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied international culture. Celebrated annually in May, which

Website
04 Jun 2023

Planet Bethesda

Bethesda, Maryland

Held in conjunction with World Environment Day, Planet Bethesda features chefs from the Capital Region serving up their most cutting-edge, creative, and delicious plant-based foods.

Visit website
11 Jun 2023

Capital Pride Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

Join the LGBTQ+ community on America’s Mainstreet, historic Pennsylvania Avenue, for the Capital Pride Festival.

Visit website
11 Mar 2023 - 11 Jun 2023

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies

Washington, District of Columbia

PIXELBLOOM: Timeless Butterflies invites you to step into a virtual world of cherry blossoms, discovering the ephemeral beauty of butterflies and thrilling exuberance of nature.

Visit website
04 Jul 2023

Independence Day Celebration

Washington, District of Columbia

Join the Independence Day celebrations in the nation's capital city!

Visit Website
28 Jun 2023 - 09 Jul 2023

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, District of Columbia

28 June-4 July and 6-9 June

Visit Website
15 Jul 2023

Clustered Spires High Wheel Race

Frederick, Maryland

Come see the Nation's only high wheel bike race. Racers make as many laps as they can on a half mile course in beautiful Downtown Frederick.

Visit Website
26 Jul 2023 - 27 Jul 2023

Chincoteague Pony Swim

Chincoteague, Virginia

The town of Chincoteague is known worldwide for its annual Pony Penning & Auction.

Visit Website
26 Jul 2023 - 30 Jul 2023

Floydfest

Floyd, Virginia

This award-winning 5-day celebration of music and art nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia features more than 100 performers on 8 stages.

Visit Website
04 Aug 2023

Annapolis Crab Feast

Annapolis, Maryland

The Annapolis Crab Feast is all-you-can-eat and drink, including large and #1 male crabs (the big ones) plus Maryland vegetable crab soup, sweet Maryland corn on the cob, beef barbeque sandwiches,

Visit Website
09 Jul 2023 - 06 Aug 2023

Citi Open Tennis Tournament

Washington, District of Columbia

Hosted since 1969, Citi Open is one of DC’s longest-standing sports traditions.

Visit website
07 Aug 2023 - 12 Aug 2023

Old Fiddlers' Convention

Galax, Virginia

During the second week of August of each year the City of Galax has the world tapping its feet as the Old Fiddlers' Convention. Musicians and fans from around the world travel to Galax to perform a

Visit Website
01 Aug 2023 - 31 Aug 2023

Virginia Craft Beer Month

, Virginia

With more than 200 craft breweries throughout Virginia and being named one of the Top Seven Beer Destinations by Travel Channel, it's no surprise that the state dedicates the entire month of August

Visit Website
24 Aug 2023 - 10 Sep 2023

Maryland State Fair

Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland

No other event provides so much food, fun & family entertainment for so little: tame & thrilling rides and games; traditional Fair & local farm fresh food; thousands of livestock, horse

Visit Website
08 Sep 2023 - 10 Sep 2023

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Bristol, Virginia

Known as the “Official Birthplace of Country Music”, the town of Bristol, Virginia celebrates its music heritage at the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

Visit Website
20 Sep 2023 - 24 Sep 2023

Artscape

Baltimore, Maryland

Artscape is America's largest free arts festival, attracting 350,000+ attendees over three days to Baltimore, Maryland.

Visit website
22 Sep 2023 - 01 Oct 2023

State Fair of Virginia

Doswell, Virginia

Come see Virginia's finest animals and agriculture, exhibits and shows, toe-tappin' music, fine arts and crafts, blue ribbon competitions and more!

Visit website
29 Sep 2023 - 01 Oct 2023

Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This end-of-summer festival hosted in Virginia beach features wine tastings, a world-class sandcastle competition, numerous athletic competitions, an open-air art show along the Boardwalk, an air s

Visit Website
  • View Holiday Guide
  • Subscribe To Our Enewsletter
  • Get Social:
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Youtube
Capital Region USA Logo
  • GDPR FAQ
  • MICE
  • Media
  • Partners
  • Privacy Policy
  • Trip Advisor Washington, DC
  • Trip Advisor Maryland
  • Trip Advisor Virginia

Copyright 2023 by Capital Region USA, PO Box 13352 Richmond, Virginia 23225 USA

Visit the USA dot com (opens in new window)
Fly dulles dot com (opens in new window)
  • English
  • 简体中文
  • Français
  • Deutsch
  • 日本語
  • 한국어
  • Português
  • Español